Childminder in Kent

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

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The provision is good

Children form positive relationships with the caring and attentive childminder. They feel safe and secure in her care. Children move through different parts of their day with support from the childminder, who has a strong understanding of their individual needs. They benefit from the strategies she implements to reduce any anxiety and help them to feel in control of their day. For example, children refer to visual references the childminder has made to help guide activity choices, such as images of books, animals and physical activities. This supports their emotional well- being and overall happiness.

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The provision is good

Children are encouraged by the childminder to recall observations of bees collecting pollen from a floral hedge during a recent trip. They build on their existing knowledge when they listen attentively to the childminder read a factual book about bees. For instance, children deepen their understanding about the natural production of honey. They confidently express their own ideas and make links to what they know. For example, children suggest making a 'honey sandwich', successfully developing their conversational skills. They learn new mathematical language, such as when the childminder describes the 'hexagon' shape of the honeycomb. This helps build on their growing vocabulary and further enhances their learning. Children learn from the childminder not to touch bees to help them understand it keeps them safe from stings. They learn about the world around them and respect living things.

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need to do better?

n The childminder places a high emphasis on supporting children's physical development. For example, children manipulate puzzle pieces and fit together construction toys. They develop good dexterity and hand-eye coordination. The childminder gives children plenty of opportunities to develop their large muscles and core strength. For instance, they independently balance on swings in the garden strung up in a tree. Children develop a sense of what they can do safely. n The childminder has a good understanding of child development and knows her children well. She identifies next steps for children's learning and helps them progress from their starting points. However, the childminder does not always focus enough on what she wants children to learn next when she plans activities. Children take part in experiences based on their interests, but at times they do not build consistently on what they already know and can do to extend

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need to do better?

their learning further. n Children's literacy skills are developing well as they communicate through the arts. The childminder provides a good range of quality materials to motivate children to develop their creativity. For example, children choose to draw their favourite toy characters from home, with increasing colour, complexity and

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need to do better?

12 June 2025 detail. They demonstrate a high level of concentration and precision with their pencil control. The childminder encourages children to express their own creative and imaginative responses to their drawings. Children begin to recognise what they do well and take pride in their achievements. n The childminder acts as a positive role model to help children manage their strong feelings. For instance, she offers them comfort and positive reassurance when they feel upset. This helps children to feel secure and develop the ability to regulate their own emotions. The childminder consistently encourages children to take turns with the resources and consider the needs and feelings of others to promote respectful interactions. However, the childminder does not fully support older children to take a more active part in conflict resolution or talk about emotions. Children behave well and do as the childminder tells them,

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need to do better?

but they do not consistently have opportunities to learn how to resolve disagreements with their friends on their own. n The childminder helps children develop healthy eating habits and a positive attitude towards nutritious food. For example, children help pick and wash raspberries from her garden for their snack. This promotes their independence and understanding of where food comes from. The childminder supports children's curiosity about nature through meaningful conversations. For instance, children discuss that squirrels, birds or caterpillars may have eaten the ripe strawberries on the plants. They show a good understanding of the world around them. n The childminder works effectively with parents and other professionals involved in children's care and learning. For example, she regularly exchanges information about children's next steps for a consistent approach to support their progress. The childminder actively researches information online to enhance her

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need to do better?

knowledge and skills. For instance, she has explored topics related to children's communication and language development. This helps to raise the quality of teaching even further.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children's interests first.

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should:

n enhance activity planning to focus more precisely on children's next steps in learning, to build consistently on their knowledge and skills n strengthen support for children to explore their emotions and social interactions to relate more positively to others.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY550879 Local authority Kent Inspection number 10398403 Type of provision Childminder

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Registers

Early Years Register, Compulsory Childcare Register, Voluntary Childcare Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 6 Number of children on roll 1 Date of previous inspection 18 October 2019

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2017 and lives in Swanley, Kent. The childminder provides care Monday to Thursday, 7.30am to 4.30pm, all year round, with the exception of bank holidays and planned family holidays. She offers government funded places for children aged from nine months to four years. The childminder has a relevant level 3 qualification in childcare.

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Inspection activities

n The childminder showed the inspector the premises and discussed how they ensure they are safe and suitable. n The childminder discussed how she organises the early years provision and what they want children to learn. n The childminder spoke to the inspector about children's learning and development, with a particular focus on communication and language. n The inspector observed the quality of education being provided, indoors and outdoors, and assessed the impact this was having on children's learning. n The inspector took account of parents' views. n The childminder provided the inspector with a sample of key documentation on request.

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Inspection activities

12 June 2025 We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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Inspection activities

12 June 2025 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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